THE generosity of the Southampton public has made the lives of leukaemia sufferers that little bit easier after a huge £40,000 was raised for this year’s Red and White Appeal Day.

The sum will help patients like teenager Harry Rouse who said how grateful he was to all those who dug deep or staged a fundraiser.

Harry, 17, from Dibden Purlieu, was diagnosed with leukaemia seven months ago. He said: “I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported the Red and White Appeal.

“The new unit will make a huge difference to patients like me and I hope everyone will continue to support the appeal over the next few months so that the charity can reach its goal.”

The money-spinning day brings the appeal total up to £1,150,000 – ever closer to the £1.76m needed to build the multimillion pound state-of-the-art treatment unit at Southampton General Hospital to treat patient with leukaemia and other blood disorders from across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and beyond.

Donations are still rolling in for the Daily Echo-backed event, so the total is expected to grow. To donate call 023 8079 8881 or text RRWW10 £3 to 70070 and £3 will come to the Appeal.